New York Correspondent //

Jackson Heights, a bustling area in New York with a significant Bangladeshi population, became the scene of a tense standoff on Sunday between activists of the Awami League (whose activities are currently banned) and the ruling BNP. The confrontation was sparked by the tearing down of political posters. However, a potentially unpleasant incident was averted due to a strong police presence.

It is reported that the Awami League had been making various preparations for a long time regarding the US visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. They have been carrying out various programs, labeling Tarique Rahman’s government as illegitimate.

Meanwhile, local BNP leaders and activists, beyond their organizational preparations, sought to demonstrate their strong support through banners to welcome their leader. However, some of these banners were torn down by unidentified individuals associated with the Awami League. This act ignited tension between the activists of both parties. The incident occurred on Sunday evening (local time) in front of ‘Ityadi Bazar’ in Jackson Heights, New York. A large contingent of New York City police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.

It is worth noting that BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is visiting the United States after a long hiatus of twenty years. He departed for New York, USA, accompanied by a 35-member delegation, to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He set off from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport with his entourage at approximately 5:45 AM on Monday (local time). His wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, is among the delegation members. The Prime Minister and his entourage are scheduled to arrive at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York around 5:00 PM on Monday (local time), where they will be welcomed by thousands of leaders and activists from the BNP and its affiliated organizations. The Prime Minister’s visit to New York is scheduled from September 21 to September 25.

Inquiries reveal that party activists have displayed various posters and banners at key locations across New York to make the Prime Minister’s US visit memorable. They have also held numerous preparatory meetings over the past month. Conversely, Awami League activists residing in the US announced programs to oppose Tarique Rahman’s visit. This situation had been fueling tension between the activists of both sides for several days. At one point on Sunday afternoon, some Awami League activists tore down a banner in front of ‘Ityadi Bazar’ in Jackson Heights. Upon hearing this news, leaders and activists from the BNP and its affiliated organizations immediately organized a protest march. The march was led by figures including Habibur Rahman Selim Reza, President of the New York City South BNP, and Tofael Chowdhury Liton, former Information and Research Secretary of the US Jubo Dal.

Atikul Haque Ahad, former Vice President of the US Jubo Dal, reported that a two-hour-long exchange of counter-slogans took place between the BNP members and activists of the Awami League—a party whose activities have been banned.

On the other side, the Awami League contingent was led by US Awami League President Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, Acting General Secretary Abdus Samad, Jubo League leader Mizan, and others. Several Awami League leaders stated that they vehemently rejected the idea of ​​Tarique Rahman visiting the United States, adding that they intended to stage protests outside the venue while he addressed the UN session.

Local sources reported that BNP and affiliate members in the US had put up banners and posters welcoming Tarique Rahman across various locations. However, allegations arose that some Awami League activists tore down these posters on Sunday. This sparked resentment on both sides, eventually leading to a highly tense situation.

Habibur Rahman Selim Reza, President of the New York City South BNP, said, “Activists from the fascist Awami League—whose activities have been banned—tore down our banner. In response, I led BNP and affiliate members in an immediate, peaceful protest march. Meanwhile, the Awami League also staged a counter-demonstration. However, a large contingent of the New York City Police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.”

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